The Braun Series 9 Pro+ represents the flagship electric shaver in Braun's S9 lineup, offering refined performance over previous models with enhanced shaving elements and sonic technology delivering 40,000 cross-cutting actions per minute. Reviewers noted its comfortable, irritation-free shave and powerful motor, with the 9527s model including a PowerCase and cleaning station. While praised for its build quality and close shave, some reviewers found it slightly overpriced for the modest upgrades, and questioned the head locking mechanism's design. It's best suited for users seeking premium performance and comfort over budget options.
Full review
Cutting performance at 40,000 actions per minute
Braun Series 9 Pro+ delivers 40,000 cutting actions per minute through its five synchronized shaving elements, a feature that Shaver Dude noted as providing 'very close' results. Jason Jones from ShavingAdvisor.com confirmed that the shaver's motor and cutting system perform effectively with up to seven days of beard growth, though he noted that he typically trims before using it at that length. The shaver's auto-sense technology adjusts blade speed based on beard density, although Jones reported not noticing significant differences in practice. The ProLift Blade and Direct Blade trimmer components, along with the gold-colored trimmer for hairs up to seven days, contribute to the precision. Shaver Dude emphasized that the 9 Pro+ gets as close as a blade going against the grain, and Jones confirmed that the blades stay very close to the scalp while navigating difficult contours, particularly on the top of the head.
Comfort and irritation levels
Comfort levels are a standout feature of the Braun Series 9 Pro+, with both Shaver Dude and Jason Jones reporting minimal irritation. Jones specifically noted that the 9 Pro+ is 'extremely comfortable while shaving' and glides well across the jawbone, with only the neck area presenting a challenge. He found that turning the shaver sideways and shaving left to right worked well for neck hairs. Shaver Dude reported that 'There is some redness after the shave, but it does not last. I do not have any burning or rash afterward.' The ProComfort head, which snaps into the shaver, prepares the skin for shaving and includes a small case for the ProComfort head. Jones mentioned that the blades all flex independently, allowing for pressure control, and the foil system and cutters respond well. However, the shaver's design does not include a dedicated head-shaving mode, which may be a limitation for those using it primarily for head shaving.
Runtime and charging capabilities
The Braun Series 9 Pro+ offers 60 minutes of runtime with a full charge, which is sufficient for multiple shaves. The PowerCase accessory, available with certain models, provides an additional 50% charge, extending shaving time to approximately 90 minutes. According to Shaver Dude, this translates to about 18 shaves if each shave takes around five minutes. Jones confirmed that the 9527s model he used came with the PowerCase and noted that it's a useful feature for travelers, though he questioned whether it's necessary for most users. The shaver is waterproof and can be used in the shower or under running water for cleaning. It also includes a 2-year warranty, extendable by one year upon registration. The cleaning station and cleaning solution are included in many configurations, with the 9477 model being considered the most complete set. Jones noted that the shaver's runtime is adequate for daily use, with the PowerCase offering extended functionality for travel.
Trimming capabilities and design features
The Braun Series 9 Pro+ includes an upgraded built-in trimmer on the back, a feature that Shaver Dude highlighted as a significant upgrade from previous versions. The ProTrimmer is designed to handle hair up to seven days of growth, with the ProLift Blade and Direct Blade trimmer components. Jones noted that the shaver's head has 5 cutting surfaces, including 2 foil shavers on the top and bottom, a gold-colored trimmer for hairs up to seven days, and a thin silver-colored skin guard. The precision switch locks the head, and the 40° flexible head travel lock Pro allows for better movement. The PowerCase is described as both a protective case and a battery pack, offering additional charging power for extended travel. The shaver's design includes a 2-year warranty and is available in various configurations, with the 95xx and 96xx model numbers indicating the latest generation.
User experience and practical limitations
While both Shaver Dude and Jason Jones praised the Braun Series 9 Pro+ for its performance and comfort, they also noted practical limitations. Jones found that the shaver performs well for facial shaving but is not ideal for head shaving, particularly in the back area where dedicated head shavers excel. He noted that the shaver's ergonomics are not suited for the back of the head, requiring awkward positioning. Shaver Dude noted that the 9 Pro+ is 'definitely an elite shaver' and 'one of the best shavers, if not the best shaver,' but also mentioned that it's expensive and may not be worth the investment for users with short beards.
Price point and value proposition
The Braun Series 9 Pro+ is positioned as a flagship product with a price tag of approximately $250 to $300 in the US and £250 to £300 in the UK. Jones noted that while the price is high, the performance justifies the cost, especially for users who need to shave up to seven days of beard growth. The replacement cassettes cost around $50 in the US and £50 in the UK, with replacement recommended every 12 to 18 months. Shaver Dude emphasized that the PowerCase is a great idea, offering both protection and battery power, though he questioned its necessity for most users. Jones noted that the 9527s model he used came with the PowerCase and found it very useful, but also acknowledged that it's a significant investment. The shaver's performance, comfort, and features make it a strong contender for those willing to invest in a premium electric razor, though it may not be suitable for users with very short beards or those who primarily use it for head shaving.
Strengths
- +Very good build quality that fits snugly in the hand
- +Comfortable irritation-free shave
- +Switch that semi-locks the head for secure handling
- +Powerful cutting actions and motor provide a close electric shaver shave
- +Best Braun shaver tested so far, surpassing previous S9 Pro models
Watch-outs
- −A bit pricey for the incremental improvements
- −The head could lock and not just become clickable, though this may be intentional design
How it compares
The Braun Series 9 Pro stands out with its sonic technology delivering 40,000 cross-cutting actions per minute, surpassing even the Panasonic Arc5 in performance, though it's slightly more expensive. Unlike the Series 8, it offers a more premium build and better motor power, but the incremental improvements may not justify the cost compared to the more affordable Series 8 or the powerful Panasonic Arc5.
Rating sources
“This is one of the best shavers, if not the best shaver. The Pro+ has an upgraded built-in trimmer on the back.”
“I've been using the 9 Pro Plus for around about 6 weeks now and I've used on about 4 days of grow three days of growth two days and I've also used it shaving daily consecutively for a few days”
Our 4.5 score is the average of the 2 scored reviews above; 2 more reviewed it without printing a score and are not in the average. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
